Kevin LeVar nominated for 2009 GMC Video Award

Kevin LeVar's video "A Heart That Forgives" (found on reel #71) has been nominated in the Praise & Worship category of the 2009 GMC Video Awards. Visit the link below to vote!

http://www.gospelmusicchannel.com/gmcva

Da' T.R.U.T.H., Canton Jones, & Marvin Winans Jr., Join Viktory On The Tour Of The Year!

Additional Information
Viktory recently released his new project entitled "Son of the King", the new project combines stellar production along with some of the hottest Christian hip hop artist today including Marvin Winans Jr., Canton Jones and Lisa Kimmey of "Out of Eden".

With the "Son of the King" Album Viktory (a Chicago native) has made great strides in expanding his platform for ministry. First, by reaching the #2 position in a June issue of Ebony Jet Magazine also by delivering a superb performance at his recent album release in front of a crowd of over 1100 spectators.

Viktory, a businessman, family man and Ordained Minister, born to a 16 year old mother on Chicago's hardened south side. He has seen life times in his 27 years. From the sudden murder of his best friend, to the loss of his 3rd child, Viktory's faith has been tested and solidified.

He's made it his life's mission to see the fulfillment of his call to ministry. He currently serves as Armor Bearer working with the pastor of his local church where he uses Christian Hip Hop music as an outlet for his message of hope, love, and triumph through Jesus Christ.

His music has been acclaimed by the music industry's best. "He's among the best and brightest" exclaims Eli Davis personal manager for the platinum selling Anthony Hamilton. "He's what the games missing" says FirstBorn accomplished producer with production credits for Neyo, The Game, and Flo Rida.

The youth group leader, bible study teacher, and creator of the new web sensation VIKLIFE.COM, an online Christian network complete with news, videos, and music has been courted by a myriad of top tier Christian & secular record labels. When asked about his decision to sign with his own upstart record label he states, "I want to be free to hear and move with God. I have a burden to see people touched and affected in a new and real way".

After achieving Deans List status at his local college, Viktory decided that he would tie his business skills into his ministry. Today, he functions as Co-Owner of Dreams on Screen video productions, Pencilworx Design Group, and Founder/Owner of VikLife.Com. Three of today's brightest businesses.

Viktory has accomplished quite a bit as an independent Christian Hip Hop Artist, starting with his the featured artist on his latest album "Son of the King", Canton Jones, Marvin Winans Jr., and Lisa Kimmey of Out Of Eden together one album is a feat within itself. Adding sugar the Kool-Aid, he's released a superb video, "On Fire", 2 months before the albums release that came out of the gates to 10,000 online views in 2 days and ranked in the top 100 videos on YouTube.

The anticipation approaching the release date was very hard to ignore, banner ads, e-blasts, word of mouth, and sheer excitement dominated the days approaching Tuesday, June 16th. It overflowed when the public learned that Viktory's album had reached as high as #6 within the first 2 days of release on the iTunes US Christian & Gospel Sales Chart, out pacing Mary Mary, Third Day, and Israel Houghton.

To add icing on the cake, Viktory's album release party boasted a concert line up that reads like an Urban Gospel All Stars Compilation album. The live stream set a new record for visitors on www.dasouth.com, the urban/hip hop site that hosted the stream, as well as over 1000 guest in attendance. Viktory appears poised to make a real impact on Christian hip hop and music business alike.

What's truly exception about this movement is the fact that there is no machine backing Viktory, he is a truly independent act leaning on his Faith.


"When talking about Urban Christian Culture, my aim is to help develop the infrastructure and assist in establishing a standard of excellence in the genre both spiritually and professionally, I love Christian Hip Hop and I love God's people, I just want to see good things happen", says Viktory.

When asked about his goals for 2009, he responds with, "I'm just following Jesus Christ. I call myself Viktory because I know as long as I am in Christ, no matter what trials I endure, in the end, I win."

"God has done it all, I am more thankful to God than you know. I'm excited about the future. God is good!" - exclaims Viktory.

Support the project by Viktory called "Son of the King" on iTunes, or on the web at ViktoryLive.com and viklife.com.

GOSPEL MUSIC COMMUNITY UNITES IN SUPPORT OF GOSPEL MUSIC ASSOCIATION, RAISES MORE THAN $350,000

Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, Fisk Jubilee Singers, MercyMe, Kirk Franklin, Booth Brothers, Natalie Grant, and More Come Together for 'Concert of the Decade'

Godbeat.com, HearItFirst.com and 316Networks.com Partner to Offer One of the Largest Christian Concerts Ever Streamed Online

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - October 13, 2009 - An unprecedented gathering of Christian and Gospel music's premier artists and industry leaders united on Monday (10/12) for a concert to celebrate their musical legacy and support the mission of the Gospel Music Association (GMA), the non-profit trade organization which has championed Christian music for more than 45 years.

The musical event lived up to its billing as the "Concert of the Decade" with performances by Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Kirk Franklin, Point of Grace, Jason Crabb, Martha Munizzi, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, Natalie Grant, Bernie Herms and the Booth Brothers. Brown Bannister, five-time Dove Award-winning Producer of the Year, produced the concert, which was staged at the Loveless Café Barn in Nashville.

GMA Board of Directors chairman Ed Leonard (president of Daywind Music), welcomed the near-capacity crowd of more than 350, plus an online audience of close to 10,000, to the fundraising dinner and concert, created in response to financial needs the GMA has, owing in part to the economic recession. "While tonight we've come together to help the GMA navigate through some immediate challenges, this assembly also offers us a unique blessing to renew the commitment to our community, and to build a GMA that is relevant for the future."

Also appearing onstage as segment hosts were author/pastor David Nasser; Premier Productions President Roy Morgan; and GMA Executive Committee member Eddie DeGarmo (president of EMI CMG Publishing). Special guest U. S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), co-founder of the Congressional Songwriters Caucus, spoke to the importance of the advocacy the Gospel Music Association offers for its members.

The concert culminated with industry-leading Dove winners Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant singing "Friends," followed by a stirring finale featuring the evening's entire lineup leading the classic worship song "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)."

Sponsors and partners of Concert of the Decade included Platinum Sponsors World Vision, Compassion International and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus the Grand Ole Opry, Gaylord Opryland Resorts and Convention Center, De Lux Productions, iTickets and the Gospel Music Channel. All performing artists and show producers donated their time, expenses and purchased the tickets to the event. *See below for a complete list of sponsors and partners.

Websites Godbeat.com and HearItFirst.com, in partnership with video platform provider 316Networks.com, offered a live web broadcast of the event, making it one of the largest Christian concerts ever streamed online.

The Concert of the Decade and dinner was staged at the Loveless Barn, the new intimate performance venue added to the Loveless Café restaurant on Highway 100 in Nashville.

For more information on supporting the Gospel Music Association or becoming a member, please visit www.gospelmusic.org or contact the Gospel Music Association directly at 615-242-0303.

*Sponsors and Partners:

Platinum Sponsors
World Vision
Compassion International
Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau

Gold Sponsors
SoundExchange
SunTrust Bank

Silver Sponsors
Avenue Bank
Harry Fox Agency
National Music Publishers Association
Regions Bank

Event Production Team
Executive Producers - Eddie DeGarmo & Scott Brickell
Show Producers - Brown Bannister & Steve Gilreath
Production Manager - Scott De Vos
Production Assistant - Lauren Roman

Event Service Providers
Blue Nova Designs
Classic Party Rentals
De Lux Productions
Garden Delights
Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center
Grand Ole Opry
Hemphill Brothers
Nashville Event Lighting
I-MAG Video
Sound Check
Sound Image
TLS, Inc.

Promotional Partners
The A Group
Digital Nashville
Guitar Praise
Gospel Music Channel
Highland Software
iTickets
Premier Productions

Kevin LeVar Hits #1 at Gospel Music Channel with “A Heart That Forgives”

2009's Breakout Artist Launches Campaign to Inspire One Million Acts of Forgiveness


(NASHVILLE, Tennessee) – The phrase Let's Come Together isn't just the title of Kevin LeVar & One Sound's national debut via GGM/Habakkuk/Universal Music Christian Group, but it's the prophetic description of the one year period since the album's release in September 2008. Landing at #22 on the BILLBOARD Top Gospel Albums Chart upon its release, the relatively unknown artist's ministry began to break down boundaries relating to culture, race, geographical association and musical styles, finding a wide audience that was ready to receive the messages of hope and healing that the singer/songwriter had been waiting to share.

LeVar quickly found the support of Gospel Music Channel, where his debut music video “You Are Not Alone” received heavy airplay and received a 2008 Gospel Music Channel Video Award nomination (“Best Soul Video”). The follow-up video for the new single “A Heart That Forgives” shot to #1 this week after only a month in rotation. The video, which was produced in Nashville by Feature Productions (Canada), received it's World Premiere on the top-rated network, which featured LeVar as this month's “Listen Up” featured artist. The video has also received a 2009 Gospel Music Channel Video Award nomination – this time in the “Best Praise & Worship Video” category.

The powerful message behind “A Heart That Forgives” has started a movement to inspire one million acts of forgiveness. The Heart That Forgives Campaign will kick off in 2010, with the goal of restoring families, repairing friendships, strengthening communities and empowering people through the simple act of forgiveness.

“At some point or another, we all have been hurt and in many cases, that hurt has not been released,” says LeVar. “Relationships, communities, hope and health have all suffered at the hands of unforgiveness. This campaign encourages all to trust in God for the strength to let go of bitterness and hurt, forgive from the heart, and live totally free from the pain of the past.”

The Heart That Forgives Campaign will be holding Forgiveness Rallies and Concerts throughout North America in 2010. An interactive website will be launched providing a safe place for visitors to “Forgive and Live” – taking an active step to let go of the hurts, bitterness, grudges and pain they've been holding on to.

The music video and live performance footage of “A Heart That Forgives” will be included on an expanded edition of Let's Come Together which will be re-released by GGM/Habakkuk/Universal Music Christian Group in late 2009. The multimedia project will also feature additional live video performances, the music video for “You Are Not Alone” and the bonus cut "Forgive and Live," which is the theme song for The Heart That Forgives campaign.

Over the past 12 months, LeVar has appeared on such programs as BET's Bobby Jones Gospel, Hour of Power (from the Crystal Cathedral), Lesea Broadcasting's Live From Studio B, Daystar's Celebration, Babbie's House, Atlanta Live, 100 Huntley Street, TBN's Praise the Lord, TCT's Alive and Rejoice!, INSP's Camp Meeting and many more. He's also had prominent performances at the NBA All-Star Weekend, Super Bowl XLIII, Civil War Memorial, 9/11 Memorial in Washington DC, Expolit Latino Christian Conference, Gospel Music Workshop of America, Stellar Awards Gospel Brunch, Rosa Parks Breakfast, The Dream Center (Los Angeles and New York), Bishop TD Jakes' The Potter's House (Dallas) and Israel Houghton's Deeper Level Conference to name a few.

Kevin LeVar has been nominated in a stunning 9 categories (First Ballot) for the 25th Annual Stellar Awards, including : Group/Duo of the Year, New Artist of the Year, Producer of the Year , Urban/Inspirational Single of the Year and Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year. The general public can vote online through October 3rd at www.thestellarawards.com. The 25th Annual Stellar Awards will be held on January 16, 2010 at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee.

THIS FALL MERCYME INVITES YOU TO SPEND
“AN EVENING WITH MERCYME” ALONG WITH SPECIAL GUESTS
FEE, TENTH AVENUE NORTH AND JONNY DIAZ


October 2, 2009…Nashville, TN… Multi-platinum and GRAMMY® nominated band MercyMe is inviting fans to spend “An Evening with MercyMe” this fall, as they visit auditoriums and churches across America.


For each night of the tour, audiences will be entertained not only by the award-winning band as they perform hits to include “Finally Home,” “You Reign,” “Word of God Speak,” “Homesick,” and of course “I Can Only Imagine,” but some special guests as well. Worship band FEE and new artist Jonny Diaz will be taking the opening spots for the month of October, while GMA’s New Artist of the Year Tenth Avenue North and Jonny Diaz will join forces to open the shows in November. The tour begins October 9 in Jackson, MS and concludes November 22 in Johnson City, TN (full tour listing below).

For more information on ”An Evening with MercyMe” please visit www.mercyme.org.

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MERCYME
Since their debut in 2001, Grammy-nominated, American Music Award and multiple GMA Dove Award winners MercyMe have sold over 5 million units in CD and DVD sales, including “Almost There”, nearly triple platinum, “Spoken For,” which is approaching platinum sales, and the RIAA Gold certification for “Undone,” the MercyMe Live DVD, and “Coming Up to Breathe.” Their latest, “All That Is Within Me,” entered the Billboard Top 200 chart at No. 15 and sold an impressive 83,626 units, the most they’ve ever sold in a project’s first week.

MercyMe is one of few Contemporary Christian music groups to have had all of their recordings certified Gold or Platinum, as well as garner 21 No.1 multi-format Christian radio singles, and four consecutive mainstream radio hits with “I Can Only Imagine,” (No. 4 AC/top 25 on Top 40/Hot AC), “Here With Me” (No. 4 AC), “Homesick” (top 10 AC), and “So Long Self.” In 2008 the band was named R&R’s Christian AC Artist of the Year, and as one of the industry's most notable talents, MercyMe has sold out venues including Radio City Music Hall and has been seen on The Tonight Show, CNN, Fox New Channel’s Fox & Friends, ABC News, CBS’ Early Show, and on the pages of Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, USA Today, Billboard, and more. For all things MercyMe, please visit: www.mercyme.org .


FEE
From national worship conferences to local youth group meetings, Fee has brought a new level of abandon and talent to rock worship, gifting today’s church with riveting songs of praise. Known for amazing live performances and the No. 1 hit "All Because of Jesus" plus "Glorious One," and Christmas song “All Creation Sing (Joy To The World),” Fee continues to inspire the church musically with this all-new release of soon-to-be modern classics. The band has been associated with some of today’s most forthcoming faith-based events including Passion, 7:22 and Catalyst conferences. Fee released their debut INO project & GMA Dove nominated We Shine in September 2007. The band’s hit single “All Because of Jesus” also garnered the No. 10 spot on R&R’s AC Songs of the Year. Fee Front man Steve Fee was also selected to lead worship at the 92nd annual Indianapolis 500 chapel services in 2008, the biggest event of the Indy Car Series. Hailing from Atlanta, GA, Steve Fee, Matt Adkins, Heath Balltzglier and Brandon Coker still lead worship at the North Point Community Church.

JONNY DIAZ
Singer, songwriter and storyteller Jonny Diaz (pronounced dye-az) released his fourth project, More Beautiful You, May 5th - which is actually his first CD release with INO Records. Following in the footsteps of his 3 previous independent projects, More Beautiful You reveals his inspiring lyrics and catchy melodies and instrumentation. Through his songs, the listener will instantly hear a heart that is passionate about reaching his generation with the message of God's love, forgiveness, and grace. The project's first single, "More Beautiful You," was co-written by Diaz and reached #1 at radio, holding the spot for 3 weeks in a row. The song, which was also made into a music video, aims to tell women they were created by God with a specific purpose in mind and continues to generate a huge buzz at radio across the country!

Diaz is consistently on the road performing at churches and conferences and has also had the opportunity to perform at some of the largest Christian music festivals in the country. He has opened in concert for Steven Curtis Chapman, Bebo Norman, MercyMe, and many other top Christian acts.

www.JonnyDiaz.com

TENTH AVENUE NORTH
With one listen to Tenth Avenue North’s unique brand of intellectual, melodic pop-rock, it becomes obvious that songwriter Mike Donehey and his band mates have a gift for expressing truth in a way that simultaneously educates, enlightens and entertains. “Simply, our mission as a band is to know Christ and to make him known,” says Donehey. Band members are as much teachers as artists, demonstrating this through their intellectual, yet vulnerably accessible songs that echo the heart of the human condition and the hope of the risen Savior.

Named GMA Dove Awards New Artist of the Year (2009), Tenth Avenue North was the best-selling and most played new Christian artist of 2008, scoring three No. 1s at radio and crossing the 100,000 sales mark with its debut Over and Underneath (5/20/08) in just seven months. The band – Mike Donehey (lead vocals/acoustic guitar), Jason Jamison (drummer), Jeff Owen (electric guitar/background vocals) and Scott Sanders (bass guitar) – has toured extensively over the last year in support of Over and Underneath (now nearing 180,000 total album sales), and recently wrapped an impressive run of shows on its very first headlining tour- “Inside and In Between”. Tenth Avenue North is one of the few debut bands that have experienced enough momentum to headline its own tour with only one album under its belt. www.tenthavenuenorth.com

Tour Dates for “An Evening With MercyMe

October with FEE and Jonny Diaz
9-Oct Friday Jackson, MS FBC Jackson
15-Oct Thursday Plymouth, MI NorthRidge Church
16-Oct Friday Bowling Green, KY Hillvue Heights
18-Oct Sunday Akron, OH Akron Civic Theatre
23-Oct Friday N. Charleston, SC North Charleston Performing Arts Ctr.
24-Oct Saturday Dothan, AL Dothan Civic Center
25-Oct Sunday Montgomery, AL Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church
29-Oct Thursday W. Monroe, LA FBC West
30-Oct Friday Fort Walton Beach, FL Emerald Coast Conference Ctr.

November *w/ Tenth Avenue North, Jonny Diaz
5-Nov Thursday Omaha, NE Bellevue Christian Ctr.
6-Nov Friday W. Des Moines, IA Lutheran Church of Hope
7-Nov Saturday W. Des Moines, IA Lutheran Church of Hope
8-Nov Sunday Valparaiso, IN Valparaiso Nazarene Church
12-Nov Thursday Midland, TX Stonegate Fellowship Church
14-Nov Saturday Austin, TX Austin Music Hall
15-Nov Sunday Mercedes, TX Rio Grande Valley
19-Nov Thursday Louisville, KY Valleyview Baptist Church
20-Nov Friday Knoxville, TN Knoxville Christian
21-Nov Saturday Dayton, OH Far Hills Community Church
22-Nov Sunday Johnson City, TN Freedom Hall Civic Ctr.